League One Review - Dec 15th

An opportunity presented itself for the chasing pack to close the gap at the top as Sheffield United (3rd) and Tranmere Rovers (1st) could only muster a 0-0 draw at Bramhall Lane.

Brentford certainly took advantage in claiming a 2-1 win over play-off chasing Notts County at Meadow Lane even though a Craig own goal gave County the lead in the 20th minute. Goals from Forshaw (36th min) and Donaldson (88th min) ensured that County's misery at home continued while the Bees climbed nicely! Notts County 8th, Brentford 2nd.

One week Doncaster Rovers are doing nicely - in a run of 4 wins - and in the blink of an eye they're being trumped 4-1 at home by Coventry City! Moussa got the Sky Blues off the mark at the Keepmoat in the 3rd minute, which was followed by a McGoldrick brace in the 26th and 58th minutes. Brown may have pulled one back for Rovers in the 76th minute, but the rout was completed when Barton sealed a memorable win in the 89th minute. Doncaster Rovers 4th, Coventry City 13th.

Franchise FC compounded the misery for Hartlepool United at Stadium:Franchise as the visitors slipped to a 21st match without a win! The only goal of the game came in the 16th minute from Lowe. Franchise FC 5th, Hartlepool United 24th.

Crawley Town managed to stop the rot against Stevenage Borough at Broadhall Way even though Shroot gave the home side the lead 10 minutes after the restart. Akpan levelled in the 65th minute, with Bulman scoring what proved to be the winner 4 minutes later. Stevenage Borough 6th, Crawley Town 10th.

Oldham Athletic got back to being their inconsistent selves as Swindon Town rolled up at Boundary Park to take away a 2-0 win as De Vita (28th and 31st minutes) scored the goals to seal the win. Oldham Athletic 16th, Swindon Town 7th.

At Dean Court, AFC Bournemouth extended their unbeaten run to 13 as Colchester United slipped to a solitary Grabban goal in the 41st minute to enable the Cherries get to within 2 points of the play-offs. AFC Bournemouth 9th, Colchester United 17th.

Crewe Alexandra managed to see Bury off with a 1-0 win of their own at Gresty Road, but had to wait until the 88th minute for Inman to score the winner. Crewe Alexandra 11th, Bury 23rd.

Leyton Orient slipped to their first defeat after 5 straight League wins to lowly Scunthorpe United at Brisbane Road. Riberio gave Scunny the lead in the 61st minute, with Hawley doubling the lead 8 minutes later. Lisbie halved the arrears from the penalty spot in the 79th minute, but the result was put beyond doubt when Mozika scored a minute later. Leyton Orient 12th, Scunthorpe United 22nd.

After bright starts for both, Walsall and Yeovil Town have lost their ways of late, the latter leaving it very late to salvage a point at Bescot. Paterson (13th min) and Grigg (72nd min) gave the Saddlers a 2-goal lead only to see that evaporate as Reid (78th min) and Foley (90th min) claim a point. Walsall 18th, Yeovil Town 14th.

Shrewsbury Town climbed out of the bottom-4 with a 2-1 win over Carlisle United, who have only won twice in their last 10 outings and slipped closer to the drop zone. Taylor gave the Shrews the lead in the 22nd minute, with Noble levelling 11 minutes later. It wasn't to be for the Cumbrians as Parry scored the winner in the 64th minute. Shrewsbury Town 20th, Carlisle United 19th.

The only other match played in League One came at Fratton Park where Portsmouth (21st) played out a 0-0 draw with Preston North End (15th).